Ancient Egypt's Colossal Super Ships (Video)

The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their impressive super ships, known as "sekhets," or “solar barges”. These colossal vessels were remarkable feats of maritime engineering and played a pivotal role in Egypt's maritime dominance. One notable example is the Khufu ship near the Great Pyramid of Giza. This 200-foot-long wooden marvel showcased the Egyptians' exceptional shipbuilding skills. Its construction technique involved lashing planks together, creating a flexible and sturdy hull. These vessels utilized natural fibers like plied vegetable fiber ropes or twisted branches of yew and willow, allowing for easy maintenance and ensuring strength and durability.

The sekhets were not only impressive in their construction but also in their capabilities. They facilitated the transportation of massive cargoes, including monumental obelisks from Aswan. These immense structures, weighing over 7,300 tons when loaded, mesmerized onlookers along the riverbanks, attesting to the Egyptians' mastery of maritime logistics. Beyond their practicality, the sekhets were a testament to the ancient Egyptians' cultural and engineering prowess. They symbolized the Egyptians' command over the Nile and the seas, as well as their dedication to monumental projects and trade expansion.

• 4,600-Year-Old Egyptian Solar Boat is Paraded to New Gaza Museum
• Egypt’s Second Khufu Ship - Fully Excavated, Ready for Reassembly

Top image: Khufu ship, Egypt. Source: Olaf Tausch / CC by SA 3.0.

By Robbie Mitchell